María Jesús Montero Named Deputy Spokesperson for PSOE in Senate

María Jesús Montero is set to become the new deputy spokesperson for PSOE in the Senate, a move that consolidates her influence in national politics while she continues to head the opposition in Andalusia. The party confirmed the appointment on Monday, with the official record updated in the upper chamber. Montero, who previously served as first vice president and finance minister, replaces María Fernández Álvarez from Asturias, according to party sources cited by EL PAÍS.

Her formal swearing-in, expected at the first regular Senate session in September, will complete the transition. Until then, Montero already holds her Senate seat by regional appointment, maintaining her legal immunity and a visible role in Madrid. This dual responsibility comes after more than two decades in government roles, first in the Junta de Andalucía under Manuel Chaves, José Antonio Griñán, and Susana Díaz, and later in the national cabinet with Pedro Sánchez from 2018.

The timing of Montero’s new post is significant. With general, regional, and municipal elections approaching, PSOE faces a delicate internal balance. Montero’s presence in the Senate alongside Susana Díaz and current spokesperson Juan Espadas is expected to generate both intrigue and tension, as noted by several senators. The party’s recent history in Andalusia has been turbulent: Díaz lost the regional leadership in 2021 to Espadas, who then led PSOE to its worst-ever result in the region, dropping from 33 to 30 seats and falling below one million votes. Montero took over the Andalusian federation in early 2025, but the May elections saw the party hit a new low with just 28 deputies.

Montero’s decision to remain in government until the last possible moment was seen as a factor in the party’s decline. The Andalusian PSOE, once a dominant force that governed Spain’s most populous region for 36 years, now faces a period of uncertainty and internal debate. In July, Montero urged the party’s directorate to minimize internal contests for local candidates, stating, “the fewer primaries, the better.”

Her first regular session in the Andalusian Parliament on July 23 was marked by confrontation. Montero led the PSOE deputies in walking out after the regional presidency’s representative, Antonio Sanz, suggested the opposition wanted wildfires to damage the government’s image. The protest followed the president of the chamber, Ana Mestre, denying the socialists the floor.

Montero has also been vocal about the use of the Senate for political maneuvering, criticizing the PP for summoning her as the PSOE’s Andalusian candidate. She has now filed her declaration of assets and income as a senator, reporting a gross monthly salary of €5,070.86 as PSOE spokesperson in the Andalusian Parliament, plus €4,500 annually from a rental property. Her assets include three homes, a commercial space, and a half-share in a garage in Seville, with two mortgages totaling €70,000 still outstanding.

Internal party management and financial oversight have been under scrutiny in recent months, as highlighted in a related case where PSOE staff testified about expense approvals at the party’s Madrid headquarters. These developments underscore the complex environment Montero steps into as she balances her dual roles in Madrid and Andalusia.

For context, the Senate in Spain serves as the upper house of parliament, with significant influence over legislative review and regional representation. Holding a Senate seat provides politicians with legal protections and a platform for national visibility. The role of deputy spokesperson is key in shaping party messaging and strategy within the chamber, especially during periods of electoral volatility. Montero’s appointment signals PSOE’s intent to maintain a strong presence in both national and regional arenas as the political landscape shifts ahead of the next elections.